Citation

Spies GM, Delport CSL, le Roux MP. Res. Soc. Work Pract. 2015; 25(6): 670-680.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1049731514565393

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

PURPOSE: This article presents the results of a two-phase dialogue between social work practitioners and researchers regarding the development and implementation of safety and risk assessment tools and training materials for social workers in the South African context.

METHODS: The first phase of the dialogue included interviews with 81 professionals to determine current practices in safety and risk assessment, resulting in the development of assessment tools and training materials. The second phase involved dialogue with 13 social workers who attended a workshop on the developed safety and risk assessment tools and who were able to implement the tools in practice.

RESULTS: A need for uniform safety and risk assessment tools and procedures was identified, and encouraging evidence indicated the effectiveness of the developed tools.

DISCUSSION: Constructive dialogue between practice and research was instrumental in developing and implementing safety and risk assessment tools and training materials for the South African context.

Language: en